Russell Simmons Writes Anti-Fur 'Love Letter' to Lady Gaga

By Jennifer Mishler | August 17, 2012

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Lady Gaga once said she would never wear fur, hence the outrage from fans and animal advocates at the recent sight of her in a fur coat. I say wearing any other clothing made from animals is just as wrong, and as Gaga points out herself, she’s already worn “python, ostrich, cow hide, leather, lamb, alligator, ‘kermit’ and not to mention meat.” But given her previous statements, I get the outcry.

Gaga sent an “apology” out to her “little monsters” which turned out to not really be much of an apology and more of a love letter about her fur coat that she sees as an “absolute art piece of a coat” and a “piece de resistance.” She also mentions that she supports the cause of animal rights, which I find hard to believe coming from someone decked out in the skin and fur of an animal that suffered and was killed for fashion.

Now, Russell Simmons has sent his own “love letter” to Gaga, asking that she stop wearing fur. Simmons writes, “Dear Mother Monster, You will go down in history as one of the most talented and beloved artists the world has ever known. You are an integral part of the artistic community that gives a voice to our pain, joy, struggles and triumphs through your music. This is the same community that has historically been on the side of right since the beginning of time – bringing people together via the language of song…The poets who make music about social change set the tone and direction for our society because they are able to express the god that is within themselves.”

He adds, “While I will not judge each individual’s unconscious action, I will speak to the collective. The ripping off of skin of other sentient beings while they are still alive – during a time when we have options available to us to wear cruelty-free alternatives – is an issue I have to lend my voice to. Wearing these skins is abusive to animals, but equally as abusive to ourselves, as we are the animal that we abuse. As a vegan, I believe the greatest karmic disaster in the history of humankind is the 40 billion animals made to be born into suffering each year. Fur-bearing animals suffer the same fate for vanity and greed.”

Simmons writes that while Lady Gaga has used her music and fame to “fight for equality and fairness,” he hopes that she will now “do what artists have done throughout history and be on the side of love and compassion.” The mogul asks that they not “set off a chain reaction where artists act as a support for a society’s unconscious behavior.”

While Simmons mentions that he supports PETA and was named their Person of the Year, he assures Gaga that this is not about them, but about animals. ”

I am PETA’s Person of The Year and I support them, but this isn’t about PETA or their tactics. Don’t allow your feelings about them to govern how you feel about animals. Those feelings should come as a result of your heart meditation. Please continue to use your immense talent as an instrument of love, peace and compassion. Watch this video, whose message cannot be denied, and know that I love you.”

Warning to readers: the video does contain graphic footage, as it shows the true nature of the fur industry.